STWF Sports | CLEVELAND | Nov. 25, 2025 — Kevin Stefanski’s decision in the locker room after the Browns’ 24–10 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders was supposed to be routine. Instead, it has ignited a full-blown debate across the sports world in the aftermath of Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start.
While Cleveland celebrated its fifth win of the season and snapped a month-long losing skid, Stefanski chose to hand the game ball to defensive superstar Myles Garrett instead of the rookie quarterback who delivered a historic moment for the franchise. And a whole lot of people — including several high-profile voices — did not like the call.
A Game Ball Controversy Takes Center Stage
Sanders, the No. 144 pick in the 2025 draft, entered Week 12 after being elevated from QB4 to QB1 in a whirlwind season marked by criticism, skepticism, and enormous pressure. His debut wasn’t perfect, but it was poised, composed, and ultimately victorious.
Sanders threw for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, including a dart to fellow rookie Dillon Sampson that sealed the win. It marked the first time since 1995 that a Cleveland rookie quarterback won his debut start — a streak that stood for three decades.
Yet Stefanski’s postgame remarks offered only a short nod to the milestone.
“Another rookie, his first start — nice job, Shedeur. Well done,” Stefanski said, before turning and handing the game ball to Garrett, who recorded three sacks and broke his own single-season franchise sack record, now at 18.
The moment was captured on video and circulated across social media — and the reaction was instant.
Perkins, Sharpe, and Ochocinco Torch the Decision
Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins fired first, reposting the video with a scathing caption aimed at Stefanski’s leadership and loyalty.
Then on Nightcap, Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson turned the controversy into a full segment, both blasting the coach for what they called a “missed moment.”
“A guy’s making his first start. A guy you didn’t want to start. A guy you didn’t even want in your organization,” Sharpe said. “And that’s all he gets? A ‘great job’? He don’t get no game ball?”
Johnson took it further.
“That’s not what they want. They don’t want him to succeed. You know that.”
The two pointed out — correctly — that Sanders managed a road win with virtually zero first-team practice reps until midweek.
“That ain’t worth a game ball?” Sharpe asked incredulously.
Sanders Stays Unbothered, Sends Message to Critics
If the rookie was bothered by the omission, he didn’t show it. Instead, Sanders addressed the media afterward with the same confidence he brought to the field.
“Everybody can analyze… but until you get out there and do it, it’s different,” Sanders said.
“There’s a lot of vet QBs that were backups and got thrown in — I don’t think they were like that in their rookie year.”
It was a clear message: the moment isn’t too big for him, and neither is the noise.
Stefanski, meanwhile, doubled down on his evaluation of Sanders, naming him the starter for Sunday’s showdown against the San Francisco 49ers — even with Dillon Gabriel cleared from concussion protocol.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
For a team starving for quarterback stability, Sanders has provided a spark Cleveland didn’t expect. But his second test will be significantly tougher: the 49ers’ elite defense, with its speed, disguises, and pressure packages, will challenge every inch of his preparation.
If Sanders performs well again, the conversation won’t just be about a game ball — it’ll be about whether the Browns found their future in the most unlikely fashion.
But one thing is already clear: the rookie has won over his locker room, the fanbase, and now the national spotlight. Stefanski’s decision may have sparked the debate, but Sanders’ play is what’s keeping Cleveland talking.
